How to Caulk With Polyurethane Caulk

Caulking around the doors and windows of your home not only seals your home from the outside elements, but also adds beauty as well. One of the types of caulk becoming more common is the polyurethane caulk. This caulk seems to last longer than other types and allows you to paint it to match the surrounding woodwork. In addition to its durability, it is also more elastic than other types of caulk, which improves its uses on a variety of projects.

Things You'll Need

Tube of polyurethane caulk

Caulking gun

Five-piece painter's tool

Rag

Mineral spirits

Putty knife

Utility knife

Wire cutters

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Clean the area to be caulked. Use the putty knife and utility knife to cut away any old caulking. Wipe the area clean with a dry rag.

Insert the caulk tube into the caulking gun with the nozzle facing away from the trigger.

Using the wire cutters, cut about 1/4 inch of the tip off the nozzle at a 45-degree angle. This will help seat the end of the nozzle in the crack as you apply the caulk.

Starting at one end, insert the nozzle into the crack and, while pulling the trigger to apply the caulk, slowly pull the gun toward you down the crack. Time the movement of the gun as you squeeze the trigger to apply an even amount of caulk in the crack.

Repeat the above step until you have applied caulk in all the cracks or where needed for your project.

Use the painter's tool to even the caulk into the crack. Work the caulk until it forms a nice seal and is appealing to your particular need and taste.

Use the rag and mineral spirits to clean up any excess caulking before it has time to fully cure.

Tips & Warnings

When painting the caulk, follow the manufacturer's guidelines to allow the caulk to fully cure. This is typically up to a week, depending on the temperature and climate in your area.

Avoid directly inhaling the fumes of the polyurethane caulk to avoid health risks. Always work in a well-ventilated area.

Avoid working with the mineral spirits around fire or flame as this is a highly flammable product.